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Research Article

Endogenous Factors Associated To Anatomo-Pathological Lesions of

Cultured Fish Species in the West Region of Cameroon
Derrick Fabrice Ngueguim1,4*, Marc Kenmogne Kouam2, Georges Fonkwa3,4, Hermann Bridget Katte2, Jacques
Nack1, Julius Awah-Ndukum2,5
1
Department of Fisheries Management, Laboratory of Aquaculture and Demography of Aquatic Resources, Institute of Fisheries and
Aquatic Sciences, University of Douala, Douala, Cameroon; 2Department of Animal Science, University of Dschang, Dschang, Cameroon;
3
Department of Aquaculture, Institute of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences, Laboratory of Aquaculture and Demography of Aquatic Resources,
University of Douala, Douala, Cameroon; 4Laboratory of Applied Hydrobiology and Ichtiology, University of Dschang, Dschang, Cameroon;
5
Department of Animal Science, College of Technology, University of Bamenda, Bambili, Cameroon

ABSTRACT
The study of anatomo -pathological lesions carried out on fish cultured and delivered for human consumption is
essential. These lesions are an indication of pathologies which can negatively impact human health status. A study
was therefore carried out on 2254 farmed fish specimens collected in the West Region of Cameroon, for better
understanding of the diseases affecting fish and improvement of their production. Macroscopic and histological
examination of fish specimens helped determine the prevalence of various anatomical pathologies or abnormalities
in various parts of the body namely haemorrhagic lesions (19%), erosion (18%), body deformities (1.1%), colour
changes (0.6%), exophthalmia (0.2%) as well as liver (1.3%) and gonad (2%) abnormalities. Fish species and sex did
not have a significant influence on the prevalence of the pathologies. The parasite prevalence was insignificantly
correlated with the observed abnormalities. Morphological and histological alterations could be used as biological
markers for degradation of environmental conditions and fish quality. Additional studies should be undergone
for a better understanding of the various causes of fish pathologies and their consequences on fish farming and
production.
Keywords: Cameroon, Farmed fish, Productivity, Lesions, Prevalence.

INTRODUCTION involved in these lesions feed by decomposing the tissues of the

Aquaculture is important for food security, livelihood, nutrition,
and socioeconomic well-being in many countries around the
world. Fish production through aquaculture provides a safe and
reliable source of fish for human consumption [1-3]. According to
Alves LM et al, fish products are sometimes subjected to various
diseases which can induce anatomo-pathological lesions [4]. This
situation results in a change in their organoleptic characters and
predisposition of humans to toxin infections and zoonoses. These
lesions can be macroscopic (hemorrhages, erosions, deformations,
etc.) and/or microscopic (gonadic, hepatic and ocular abnormities)
[5,6]. The suspicion of an affected fish is usually followed by an
external clinical examination. However, the symptoms of infected
fish are not clear from clinical observation and macroscopic
lesions, hence the interest of histological sections. The pathogens
organism [7]. Several works related to fish anatomo-pathological
lesions have been carried out, notably in Algeria and in Quebec
but none in Cameroon [5,8-11]. This study aimed to assess the
health status of reared Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus), African
catfish (Clarias gariepinus) and common carp (Cyprinus carpio)
through identification and description of various lesions observed
and probable risk factors (fish species, etiological agents).
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Study area and period
The study was carried out from December 2018 to December
2019 in three administrative divisions (Menoua, Noun and Hauts-
plateaux) of the West Region of Cameroon (9°50’ – 10°20’ E

Correspondence to: Derrick Fabrice Ngueguim, Department of Fisheries Management, Laboratory of Aquaculture and Demography of Aquatic
Resources, Institute of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences, University of Douala, Douala, Cameroon, E-mail: derrickngueguim@gmail.com
Received: 20-Sep-2023, Manuscript No. JARD-23-23115; Editor assigned: 22-Sep-2023, Pre QC No. JARD-23-23115(PQ); Reviewed: 06-Oct-2023,
QC No JARD-23-23115; Revised: 13-Oct-2023, Manuscript No. JARD-23-23115(R); Published: 20-Oct-2023, DOI: 10.35248/2155-9546.23.14.807
Citation: Ngueguim DF, Kouam MK, Fonkwa G, Katte HB, Nack J, Awah-Ndukum J (2023) Endogenous Factors Associated to Anatomo-Pathological
Lesions of Cultured Fish Species in the West Region of Cameroon. J Aquac Res Dev.14:807.
Copyright: © 2023 Ngueguim DF, et al. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License,
which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited.

J Aquac Res Dev, Vol. 14 Iss. 10 No: 1000807 1

Ngueguim DF, et al.
and 5°10’ – 5°40’ N) (Figure 1). The West Region has a typical
sudano-guinean climate, characterized by a short dry season (mid-
November–mid-March) with a temperature range of 20 °C– 27°C
and 16°C–23°C respectively. The average annual rainfall is 1600
mm and relative humidity ranges from 49 –97.9% between the dry
and rainy season [12].
Figure 1: Map of Cameroon showing the West Region of the
administrative Divisions and sub-divisions with study sites within
Menoua. Noun and Hauts-plateaux Divisions. (Adapted from
National institute of Cartography. 2019). Note: ( )-Study area;
( )-Boundary of subdivision; ( )-Boundary of division; ( ) for associated risk factors. Pearson correlation test were used to
-Boundary of region.
Sampling of fish: On each farm, fish were selected using the simple
random sampling method. Overall, Nine fish farms were selected
based on an agreement with their owners. The sample size was
determined according to Thrusfield M et al, as follows [13]:
N= (p(1-p)z^2)/e^2
Where, N: size of the base sample; Z: 1.96, level of confidence (1-
α)=95%; e: margin of error=5%; p: Prevalence (50% of prevalence
was used for this purpose).
Fishes were captured live with nets or after emptying the pond.
Fish collected as earlier described by Ngueguim DF et al, consisted
of Clarias gariepinus (692), Cyprinus carpio (593) and Oreochromis
niloticus (969). Fish samples were transported during the early hours
(9:00-10:00) of the day in a sanitized flask with water from ponds
Source to the Ichthyology and Applied Hydrobiology Laboratory of
the University of Dschang, Cameroon [14].
Macroscopic examination of Fish
External anatomical examination: A clinical examination was
carried out on the live or freshly dead fish. This involved the
determination of any clinical signs of disease or abnormalities on
the specimens as defined by Noga EJ et al [15]. External clinical signs
(body color, scales, presence or absence of hemorrhage, lesions, etc)
were observed on the field during a preliminary examination of live
fish which were identified and recorded on a data sheet with a code
for each fish. Additionally, each abnormality was photographed
using a Sony digital camera at 10 mega pixels resolution. This was
J Aquac Res Dev, Vol. 14 Iss. 10 No: 1000807
done in other to avoid inflammatory processes that make diagnosis
uncertain or impossible.
Internal anatomical examination: At the laboratory, fishes were
dissected by opening each specimen from the anus to the head with
a sharp pair of scissors, taking care not to perforate the various
organs as intestines. Then, the internal organs (liver and gonads)
were removed with forceps and placed in petri dishes. Organs
showing clinical sign of disease were placed in a container with
10% formalin for fixation and further histological examination.
Histological examination: The histological technique was carried
out on the gonads and liver through the optimized protocol at the
laboratory of Mountain University at Bangangté-Cameroon [5].
Parasitological examination of fish: In other to link abnormalities
to fish parasites, parasitological examination was done. Hence,
Standard parasitological procedures were used for fish examination
and identification of ectoparasites and internal helminths
respectively [14,16]. An infected fish sample was coded as 1 and
uninfected as 0. The prevalence (Pr) or infection rate was calculated
according to Bush AO et al [16].
Statistical analysis: The obtained data was entered into Microsoft
office Excel 2007 for descriptive statastics and transferred to SPSS
for analysis. The chi-square test ( χ2) as well as the the obtained
data was entered into Microsoft office Excel 2007 for descriptive
statistics and transferred to the Statistical Package for the Social
Sciences (version 22, SPSS Inc., USA) for further statistical
analysis. The chi-square test was used to test significant levels within
factors on the prevalence rates and odds-ratios were determined
assess the relationship between the different variables and abnor-
-malities observed. The significance level (p) considered was set at 5%.
RESULTS
Typology and prevalence of external clinical signs of
disease according to fish species
The typology and prevalence of external clinical signs of disease
according to fish species are highlighted respectively in Figures 2
and 3. Irrespective of the fish species, a total of 7 abnormalities
depending on their anatomical location were observed in 19.5%
of the examined fishes. The prevalence of the clinical signs was
higher in Cyprinus carpio (25.2%) followed by Oreochromis
niloticus (17.5%) and Clarias gariepinus (17.3%). However, no
significant difference was observed. Hemorrhage and erosion were
about 9 times more frequent (p<0.05) than other abnormalities
which accounted only for less than 2% each. Hemorrhage, erosion,
absence of fin, deformation were common for fishes while red and
protruding anus where specific to Cyprinus carpio and Oreochromis
niloticus unlike Exolphtalmia and color alteration that were specific
to Oreochromis niloticus and Cyprinus carpio respectively.
Prevalence of pathologies according to sex of cultured
fishes
The prevalence of abnormalities according to the sex of fish
is summarized in Table 1. It revealed that female fishes (20.1%)
were the most affected compared to males (18.7%). However, no
significant effect on the prevalence of abnormalities was recorded
(p˃0.05).
2
Ngueguim DF, et al.

and degeneration of the zona radiate (Figures 6, 7A and 7B).

Figure 4: Gonad abnormalities observed in farmed fish from the West

Region of Cameroon. Note: (A) Testicles with asymmetric development
Figure 2: Typology of abnormalities: Note: (a) Erosion of the head in (black dash) and constriction of the gonad (red arrows) in Cyprinus
O. niloticus , (b) Erosion of tail fin in Clarias gariepinus; (c) Erosion of carpio; (B) Inflammation of the female gonad in Clarias gariepinus.
tail fin in C. carpio ; (d) Body in C. gariepinus eroded; (e) Deformation
of the head and body in C. gariepinus ; (f) Deformation of the mouth
of C. carpio .

Figure 5: Liver alterations in African catfish. Note: (A) Hepatic steatosis

(fat black arrow); (B) Nodule inclusion (black arrows) in the liver; (C)
Hepatic discoloration (Discoloured areas black arrows).

Figure 3: Prevalence of some abnormalities recorded on farmed fish

specimens in the West Region of Cameroon. Note: ( )-Exopthalmia;
( )-No fin; ( )-Colour alteration; ( )-Hemorrhage; ( )-Deformation;
( )-Anomaly; ( )-Erosion; ( )-Red and protruding anus.

Table 1: Prevalence of abnormalities according to fish sex

Factors Modalities N (n) Prevalence (%) p-value (X2)

Males 998(187) 18.7 Figure 6: Necrosis and haemorrhage in the fish liver ( )
Sex 0.667 (0.185)
Females 1256(252) 20.1
Note: N: Number of fish examined; n: Number of fish with abnormalities.

Typology and prevalence of internal clinical signs of

disease related to fish species and organs
Gonad abnormalities: Overall, 2% of collected fishes showed
Gonad abnormalities. Cyprinus carpio testis was asymmetrically
developed and constricted while an ovary of Clarias gariepinus was
found to be inflamed in the form of an oedema (Figure 4).
Abnormalities in the liver: Liver alterations were recorded in 1.3%
of Clarias gariepinus collected from fish farms in Menoua division
(Figure 5).
Figure 7: Histopathology of the ovaries. Note: (A) Hermaphroditism in
Histopathology of fish liver and gonads: The histological sections C. gariepinus : ( )-Male compartment, ( )-Atresia; (B) Degeneration
carried out on the fish livers revealed various tissue damages namely of the zona radiata in O. niloticus .
hemorrhagic necrosis while that of ovaries showed hermaphroditism

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Ngueguim DF, et al.

Prevalence of ecto and endoparasites: A total of 894 (39.66%) identified parasites except Chilodonella sp., Lernea sp., Ergasilus sp.,
fish were parasitized on the one hand by ectoparasites (34.87%) Argulus sp., Eustrongylides sp and Orientatractis sp. were found on fish
and on the other hand by endoparasites (8.47%) (Figure 8). with abnormalities, no parasite was significantly (p>0.05) associated
786 fish (34.87%; were infested with ectoparasites consisting with the clinical signs of diseases observed on the host fish.
of monogeneans (356; 15.79%), protozoa (356; 15.79%) and
Correlation between endogenous factors and the occurrence
crustaceans (271; 12.02%). Monogenes consisted of Gyrodactylus sp.
of abnormalities observed in fish: The parasite prevalence was
(285; 12.64%) and Dactylogyrus sp. (117; 5.19%). Protozoa consisted
non-significantly (p>0.05) correlated with that of the observed
of Myxobolus sp. (232; 10.29%), Trichodina sp. (159; 7.05%) and
abnormalities (Table 3).
Chidonella sp. (12; 0.53%). The crustaceans were composed of
Branchiures comprising Argulus sp. (150; 6.65%) and Copepoda
(150; 6.65%) including Lernea sp. (95; 4.21%) and Ergasilus sp.
(55; 2.44%). Gyrodactylus sp. had the highest parasite infestation
rate regardless of fish species while Chilodonella sp. had the lowest
parasite infestation rate (Figure 8). As for the endoparasites, a total
of 191 fish (8.47%) were parasitized by endoparasites including
acanthocephalans (109; 4.84%) and nematodes (92; 4.08%).
Acanthocephalus sp. (109; 4.84%) was the only acanthocephalan
identified, while the Nematodes consisted of Camallanus sp. (27;
1.20%), Eustrongylides sp. (24; 1.06%), Capillaria sp. (43; 1.91%)
and Orientatractis sp. (8; 0.35% [0.18-0.70]). Among these parasites,
Acanthocephalus sp. recorded the highest prevalence (Figure 8).
Correlation between the prevalence of abnormalities and
parasitism: The correlations between the prevalence of Figure 8: Prevalence of parasites identified in cultured fish in the West
Cameroon Region.
abnormalities and parasitism are shown in Table 2. Though all

Table 2: Correlation between fish abnormalities and parasitism

Red and Color

Exolphthalmia Hemorrhage Erosion Absence of Deformation Abnormalities
protruding anus alteration
(N1 =5) (N2=428) (N3 =406) fin (N4 =36) (N5 =25) (N=440)
Parasites (N6 =14) (N7=14)

n (%) p n (%) P n (%) p n (%) p n (%) p n (%) p n (%) P n (%) p

Monogens

Gyrodactylus sp. 0(0.0) 1 6(1.3) 0.476 6(1.4) 0.857 1(0.3) 0.207 0(0.0) 0.648 0(0.0) 1 0(0.0) 1 6(1.3) 0.472

Dactylogyrus sp. 0(0.0) 1 21(0.5) 0.332 2(0.5) 0.448 1(0.2) 0.361 0(0.0) 1 0(0.0) 1 0(0.0) 1 2(0.5) 0.328

Protozoa

Myxobolus sp. 0(0.0) 1 6(1.3) 0.491 7(1.8) 0.571 1(0.3) 0.201 0(0.0) 0.651 1(0.2) 0.295 0(0.0) 1 6(1.3) 0.474

Trichodina sp. 0(0.0) 1 4(1.0) 0.805 4(1.0) 0.802 1(0.2) 0.371 0(0.0) 1 0(0.0) 1 0(0.0) 1 4(1.0) 0.807

Chilodonella sp. 0(0.0) 1 0(0.0) 1 0(0.0) 1 0(0.0) 1 0(0.0) 1 0(0.0) 1 0(0.0) 1 0(0.0) 1

Crustaceans

Copepods

Lernea sp. 0(0.0) 1 0(0.0) 0.625 0(0.0) 0.636 0(0.0) 1 0(0.0) 1 0(0.0) 1 0(0.0) 1 0(0.0) 0.62

Ergasilus sp. 0(0.0) 1 0(0.0) 0.625 0(0.0) 0.636 0(0.0) 1 0(0.0) 1 0(0.0) 1 0(0.0) 1 0(0.0) 0.62

Branchiura

Argulus sp. 0(0.0) 1 0(0.0) 0.595 0(0.0) 0.601 0(0.0) 1 0(0.0) 1 0(0.0) 1 0(0.0) 1 0(0.0) 0.592

Total Ectoparasites 0(0.0) 1 150(3.5) 0.187 16(4) 0.807 1(0.6) 0.253 0(0.0) 0.142 1(0.2) 1 0(0.0) 0.578 15(3.5) 0.151

Acanthocephala

Acanthocephalus sp. 0(0.0) 0.979 257(0.6) 0.283 2(0.5) 0.713 0(0.0) 1 0(0.0) 1 0(0.0) 1 0(0.0) 1 3(0.6) 0.48

Nematods

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Ngueguim DF, et al.
Camallanus sp. 0(0.0) 1 86(0.2) 1 1(0.2) 1 0(0.0)
Eustrongylides sp. 0(0.0) 1 0(0.0) 0.222 1(0.2) 0.699 0(0.0)
capillary sp. 0(0.0) 1 5(1.1) 0.16 4(1.0) 0.258 1(0.2) 0.304 1(0.2) 0.224
Orientatractis sp. 0(0.0) 1 0(0.0) 0.595 0(0.0) 0.601 0(0.0)
Total Endoparasites 0(0.0) 1 8(1.9) 0.341 7(1.8) 0.399 1(0.2)
Total 0(0.0) 0.703 24(5.5) 0.451 23(5.6) 0.732 1(0.8) 0.172 1(0.2) 0.455
Note: N: Number of fish examined; n: Number of fish with abnormalities; p: probability of error.
Table 3: Correlation between endogenous factors and the occurrence of abnormalities observed in fish collected from farms in West Cameroon
Risk factors r p
Fish species 0.002
Sex 0.017
Parasite prevalence -0.018
Note: r=correlation coefficients; p: probability of error.
DISCUSSION
The results obtained with regard to abnormalities corroborate
those of Samia ASZ et al [7,9,17]. Indeed, exophthalmia has already
been reported in fish by several authors. According to, Achat
Soraya et Zarouri Samia et al, it was observed in the common carp
Cyprinus carpio caught in the river at Tala Hamza [7]. Exophthalmia
can be of infectious origin or linked to the supersaturation of the
medium with gas [18]. Other causes of various origins have also
been put forward, namely metabolic disorder, low oxygen content,
after exposure of fish to ethanol and nutritional insufficiency
(Vitamin A, E deficiency) [19-22]. Hemorrhage in fish is one of
the abnormalities that reflect the degradation of the aquatic
environment. Its presence is consistent with the descriptions
reported by Girard P et al [19]. These authors related this type of
abnormality to infectious agents, such as Enterobacteriaceae or
viruses and protozoa, trauma, irritation or deficiency in Vitamin
C, K [18,19,22,23]. It is also possible that excessive competition
between fish will lead to a severe confrontation inducing various
hemorrhages.
Deformation of fish is often associated with stunted growth and
reduced swimming ability. Generally, deformation in fish is a
multifactorial phenomenon and the determination of its origin
is not obvious, but heavy metals can cause metabolic alterations
that can act on bone metabolism and modify their mineralization
[18,24]. But, the time of exposure and the degree of bioaccumulation
of contaminants can increase the number of deformed fish [25].
According to Bogé G et al, contamination of the environment by
heavy metals can be the cause of a deformation of the vertebral
column in fish on the other hand linked this expression to an
unsuitable diet and to vitamin deficiencies [26,27]. Moreover,
hereditary phenomena are supposed to be at the origin [28].
However, points out that thermal deficits or chemical pollution can
cause deformations of this type [29].
Fin erosion has already been reported by different authors for which
various causes have been assumed such as fungi and ectoparasites
J Aquac Res Dev, Vol. 14 Iss. 10 No: 1000807
1 0(0.0) 1 0(0.0) 1 0(0.0) 1 1(0.2) 1
1 0(0.0) 1 0(0.0) 1 0(0.0) 1 0(0.0) 0.223
0(0.0) 1 0(0.0) 1 5(1.1) 0.166
1 0(0.0) 1 0(0.0) 1 0(0.0) 1 0(0.0) 0.592
1 1(0.2) 1 0(0.0) 1 0(0.0) 1 8(1.9) 0.452
1(0.2) 1 0(0.0) 0.324 24(5.5) 0.74
0.483
0.334
0.330
(Argulose argulus spp); cadmium; vitamin C deficiency, Vibrio
anguillarum and predation [19,22,30,31]. Body erosion has also
been linked to different sources of disturbance citing infestation
by different agents such as bacteria and parasites, nutritional or
vitamin deficiencies, unfavorable environmental factors and
chemical pollution [19]. They later cause the degradation of the
fish’s body mucus, which causes the disappearance of this protective
layer. The affected organs are subsequently invaded by parasites or
fungi, but also by viruses such as carp herpes virus 3 [18]. This is
because the skin of fish represents an effective gateway for certain
viruses [32]. These organs can also be affected by bacteria like
Aeromonas sorbia detected in Garra rufa, since fish that are in a
poor environment due to insufficient water quality such as high
levels of nitrites, low levels of dissolved oxygen or high levels of
carbon dioxide are more vulnerable to Aeromonas infection spp.
[33]. Erosions and deformations can be linked to different physical
factors such as: gas oversaturation, hypoxia, too low temperature,
salinity, radioactivity, electric shocks, organochlorine compounds
(pesticides, herbicides), heavy metals (Cd, Pb), parasites, bacteria,
viruses or trauma (capture, predation). It can also be related to
nutritional deficiencies, especially in vitamins [19], such as vitamins
(A, C and D) [34]. It was also showed the separation of the fins was
due to the exposure of fish to fertilizers (potash and ammonium
salts) [30].
The change in phenotype (color alteration) during an established life
stage was associated to the response to environmental interactions,
but also with the transition between two stages of development
phenotypically pre-adaptive to their ancestral ecosystems [20].
Color alterations in fish can be linked to several factors. Indeed,
it can be of physiological origins, namely stress related to capture,
but also a physical origin including, among others, hypoxia, excess
CO2, gas oversaturation, insufficient mineralization of the water. It
can also be of accidental origin (haemorrhage, trauma, irritation,
blindness), genetic (hereditary diseases) or nutritional (vitamin
deficiencies). Finally, a change in color can also be due to bacterial,
parasitic (Myxosporidia, microsporidia) and viral infections [30,19].
5
Ngueguim DF, et al.
It appears from this study that the abnormalities identified would
have a negative impact on the overweight of its host, probably by
disturbing its physiology. The abnormalities identified, although
not significantly associated with the identified parasites, can be
detrimental to fish production. Indeed, these superficial and/or
deep lesions constitute entry points for secondary infections [35].
They can create serious dysfunctions for the individual which can
lead to a drop in fertility [36]. Indeed, the clinical signs of naturally
infected fish revealed respiratory distress, swimming at the surface
and slow movements. These signs can be attributed to massive
mucous secretions in the gills which can be used to dilute the
irritation and act as a defense mechanism against infestation [37].
These results are almost similar to other reports that highlighted
the abnormalities associated with the clinical signs mentioned
above [36,38,39]. It would therefore be essential to monitor their
appearance in fish farms in order to avoid such damage in fish
farming.
Histopathological changes in the skin and gills of infested fish were
recorded and the results are similar to those recorded by Aly HA
et al [40]. Indeed, skin and gill lesions can be induced by feeding
activity, attachment and locomotion of monogeneans causing
massive destruction of respiratory epithelial cells and/or skin cells
as well as ciliated trichodins on the skin. These results agree with
the work of Gado MS et al [41,42]. In the gills, hyperplasia occurs
takes place between the gill lamellae and the parasites then feed
on the newly produced cells and damage the gill tissues. Thus, the
branchial epithelium is completely destroyed, leaving large denuded
areas between the filaments. Perforated basement membrane and
capillaries cause bleeding. This condition disrupts breathing [42].
Eventually, the fish die of suffocation [42]. The physical presence
of Trichodina sp. and Myxobolus sp localized in the vessels damages
the gills and opens the gateway for secondary infection. This leads
to high mortality in the nursery operating system in carp [43]. The
gills were frayed, congested and slimy with a mottled appearance.
The mottled appearance can be attributed to the destruction of
efferent vessels. This leads to rapid occlusions of the vessel and
then a thrombus forms resulting in ischemia, which in turn leads
to necrosis [36,41]. Other cases showed pale gills with destruction
of gill filaments. These results are consistent with those reported
by Eissa AE et al [44,45]. Additionally, Vinoth R et al, found that
infested fish had extremely pale gills, indicating that the gills were
seriously affected [46]. Histopathological findings from the affected
intestines showed massive destruction, necrosis, atrophy as well as
leukocyte infiltration. These results are in agreement with the work
of [45,47]. These results can be attributed to the parasite-induced
mechanical injury and its feeding on the delicate tissues on the
circulating blood resulting in hemorrhage. Slow, rapid blood clot,
thrombus, ischemia, finally necrosis and widespread damage to the
gastrointestinal tract [48-50]. In view of the impact of parasites at
the tissue level, identifying fish diseases and their causative agents
is necessary to initiate preventive measures against pathogens. It
would therefore be essential to monitor the appearance of parasites
in fish farms given the growing involvement of fish farming on a
daily basis.
CONCLUSION
Several abnormalites have been recorded on the external and
internal anatomy of the fish. However, they were not significantly
associated with the fish species, their sex and the prevalence of
parasites. The histological sections performed showed various tissue
and cellular alterations in the affected organs. It will be advisable to
J Aquac Res Dev, Vol. 14 Iss. 10 No: 1000807
extend these studies to other agroecological zones of Cameroon with
a view to establishing a map of the biosecurity measures, prevalence
of recurrent pathologies in fish farms according to the seasons, and
the means of prevention and control of these pathologies. This
will contribute effectively to the increase of national fish farming
production. Also, a microbiological study of the different organs of
the affected fish, and a microbiological analysis of the water should
be carried out.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
The authors are grateful to the Staff of MINEPIA and fish farmers
of the West region of Cameroon for their generous cooperation.
CONFLICT OF INTEREST
There is no conflict of interest.
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